• Bankole’s Nation: Episode 05: Why Kamala Harris Campaign Collapsed in Michigan, WSU Board of Governors Busuito Speaks Out
    Nov 7 2024

    Bankole Thompson interviews veteran Michigan pollster Ed Sarpolus about why Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign failed to win the crucial battleground state of Michigan and why Gov. Gretchen Whitmer could not deliver for the campaign.

    Additionally, Jonathan Kinloch, the chairman of the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, explains why his party performed woefully in the election, how the Black vote continues to be taken for granted in Detroit, and what investments the party should make for future elections. Daniel Baxter, the chief of operations for absentee voting for the Detroit Department of Elections, discusses Harris' unprecedented underperformance and what it says about voting in the city.

    Finally, Bankole speaks with Dr. Michael Busuito, who was just reelected to the Wayne State University Board of Governors, about the university's urban mission in the City of Detroit and whether it is meeting the demands of students coming from low-income backgrounds.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Bankole's Nation Episode 04: Ex-AG Eric Holder on Election, Arab American Leader Assad Backs Harris and Dillard University Racial Justice Center
    Oct 31 2024

    In this week's episode, Bankole Thompson interviews Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and the first African American to hold that position. They discuss the upcoming 2024 presidential election, the Michigan Supreme Court race, and the current state of democracy in America.

    Additionally, Assad Turfe, Deputy Wayne County Executive and one of the few Arab American leaders in Dearborn supporting Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, detailing his reasons for backing her campaign.

    Finally, Bankole visits Dillard University in New Orleans to speak with Dr. Ashraf Esmail, endowed professor of criminal justice and executive director of the Center for Racial Justice, as they commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Center.

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    51 mins
  • Bankole’s Nation Podcast Episode 03: All-Women Interview Focuses on White House Race, Michigan Supreme Court
    Oct 24 2024

    In this week's episode, Bankole Thompson interviews Detroit mental health specialist and gun violence prevention advocate Mia Reid about her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, including her introduction of the Democratic nominee at a recent campaign rally. Additionally, Elnora Gavin, a racial justice advocate and Benton Harbor Area School Board member, discusses the presidential race and how it plays out in the Southwestern city of Michigan. Then Bankole puts the spotlight on the race for the Michigan Supreme Court in an interview with one of the top Democratic contenders, Kimberly Ann Thomas.

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    58 mins
  • Bankole's Nation Podcast EP 02: Can Kamala Harris Close the Deal?
    Oct 17 2024

    In this week's episode, Bankole Thompson interviews former White House spokesman Robert S. Weiner about the 2024 presidential election. Weiner shares his insights on what the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, needs to do to secure a victory in November. Additionally, Chicago Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson discusses the role of Black men in the presidential race. Bankole also shares his thoughts on former President Donald Trump’s recent speech at the Detroit Economic Club, where he made derogatory comments about the city.

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    50 mins
  • Bankole's Nation Podcast EP 01: Ford's DEI Problem, Hamtramck's Muslim Mayor, 2024 Election
    Oct 10 2024

    In this week's episode, Bankole explores Ford Motor Company's Scaling Back DEI. He also discusses Hamtramck's Muslim mayor endorsing Donald Trump and offers a preview of the 2024 presidential election.




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    47 mins